Thousands of youngsters are expected to march through Flint on Saturday, during the Proclamation Ceremony to welcome the Urdd National Eisteddfod to the county in May 2016.

It is an opportunity for children, young people, teachers, parents and local residents to show their support to the family friendly festival that will visit the area.

Flint High School Samba band will lead the crowd as they parade through the streets of Flint, starting at 1pm from Flint High School proceeding to Flint Castle.

Once they arrive, there will be plenty of entertainment for the whole family between 2pm and 4pm, all for free.

On the two stages there will be performances by groups such as Castell Alun Jazz Band, Trŵbz and Bwncath as well as a Rimbojam (group karaoke) for primary children and performances by 12 local schools.

As well as the entertainment on the stages, there will be football sessions with Flint Football Club, crazy golf, stalls, graffiti wall and circus workshops.

Free shuttle buses will be running from Jade Jones Pavilion, 11am – 1pm, to Flint High School and organisers are asking people to park in the town.

People are invited to wear red, white and green and there will be a £200 prize for the best banner on the procession promoting the Urdd Eisteddfod in Flintshire.

During the week leading to the Proclamation Ceremony, numerous events will be held within Flintshire.

The events kicked off last Sunday with a Cymanfa Ganu i Blant (Hymn-singing gathering for children) in Bethesda Chapel, Mold. During the week a series of events and concerts are being held across the county including a Mistar Urdd tour of local schools, a gig on Friday at Ysgol Maes Garmon and a ball to end the week on Saturday evening at Ysgol Maes Garmon, Mold.

Jeremy Griffiths, Chair of the Executive Committee said: “We look forward to a day of celebration in Flint on Saturday.

“We hope to create a real buzz and excitement to welcome the Eisteddfod which is coming to Flintshire in 2016.

“I am confident there will be supporters from across the county present to mark the fact that the Urdd National Eisteddfod is coming to Flintshire at the end of May, 2016.”